Gareth Bale's agent admits it is a 'problem' that Tottenham have not made the Champions League but dismissed claims that he in talks with Barcelona.

Indeed Jonathan Barnett admitted that Spurs' asking price of £40million is 'too expensive' for the Catalan giants and he feels they will look concentrate their efforts on Valencia's Jordi Alba.

Barca are looking to bolster their left sided options and Bale has long been on their radar - but they look to have pushed ahead with their move for Alba instead who would cost less than half what Spurs want for their Welsh star.

Speaking to Catalan-based Sport newspaper, Barnett said that a likely asking price of £40million was too much for Barca.

"I think it's too expensive for the club," he admitted.

"To my knowledge, the club [Barcelona] has not made any offer for him.

"If interested, they would have to put money on the table and then start talking. But it seems that the club is working on the signing of Jordi Alba, a cheaper option."

Bale signed a new long-term contract at Tottenham last year, but the player himself has admitted he would not be against a move to the continent.

And Barnett acknowledges that the lack of Champions League football on offer at White Hart Lane could be an issue.

"Yes, it is clear that this is a problem," said Barnett.

"The big European clubs already know how much it would take to do the operation and therefore if you are interested you know what kind of offer has to put on the table."